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All the United States California Carmel-by-the-Sea

The Atlas Obscura Guide To Carmel By The Sea

5 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California

Updated June 20, 2024

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Unusual Attractions in Carmel-by-the-Sea

Calla Lily Valley

Carmel-by-the-Sea, California

Calla Lily Valley

This little valley along Highway 1 is engulfed by thousands of lilies during the spring season.

Carmel-by-the-Sea, California

Tor House and Hawk Tower

One poet's handmade, anachronistic home.
Whalers Cabin in Point Lobos State Reserve.

Carmel-by-the-Sea, California

Whalers Cabin Museum

This cabin from the 1850s is one of the first structures built by Chinese immigrants in California.
The chapel interior.

Carmel-by-the-Sea, California

Carmelite Monastery

For almost 100 years, this site of peace and spirituality has existed on the California coast.
A rare Franciscan manzanita, similar to the one that led to Rowntree’s nighttime raid to save one of the endangered plants. She admitted that she’d “garnered it ghoulishly in a gunnysack.”

Carmel-by-the-Sea, California

Lester Rowntree Native Plant Garden

Named for a self-taught botanist who cataloged hundreds of native plants, this garden continues her work of preserving California plant life.
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Pescadero Point

Del Monte Forest, California

Ghost Trees of Pescadero Point

Haunting and beautiful trees, doomed to die.
1 mile from Carmel-by-the-Sea

Pebble Beach, California

Lone Cypress

This lonesome Monterey cypress has survived centuries of wind, salt, and at least one attempt at arson.
2 miles from Carmel-by-the-Sea
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Explore Carmel-by-the-Sea, California

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Architecture 2
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    wants to go to Tor House and Hawk Tower

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